BITA DARYABARI Bita Daryabari embodies the spirit of humanist philanthropy. Though acutely aware of the plight of Iranian women and men in their struggle for freedom and dignity, she is no less interested in contributing generously to the efforts of scientists in America working on the cutting edge of neuroscience, or to women working in Palestinian or Afghan villages using the most traditional tools of labor. Born and raised in Iran, Bita Daryabari received her master’s degree here in California where, upon graduation, she joined GammmaLink, Inc., early pioneers in the field of telecommunications. She later moved to MCI Communications where she received distinguished awards and recognition for her work. Then and now, her work in her field of expertise has always been accompanied by her interest in the world of ideas and literature, particularly the poetry and prose of her native Iran. She has created the Bita Daryabari Endowment in Persian Letters at Stanford University enabling the university to not only hire visiting and full-time professors of Persian literature, but also allowing the Iranian Studies Program to organize conferences, teach more courses in Persian language for all levels of proficiency, and offer the annual Bita Prize for Persian Arts. Her charitable work, primarily focused through the Unique Zan Foundation, is not limited to Iran and its literature, or Asia and its women. She has contributed generously to a wide array of causes—from building orphanages for Afghan children to funding efforts to find a cure for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. In recognition of these efforts, she has received many awards, including the Ellis Island Medal of Honor from Pars Equality Center and an appreciation award from the United Nations Association of San Francisico. Bita Daryabari’s generosity has not only changed the face of Iranian Studies at Stanford University, but will go a long way in empowering some of the poorest strata of developing nations. Her multi-faceted philanthropy is founded on her simple idea that creativity—whether in a poet’s sonnet or a scientist’s smithy—is the only way to alleviate suffering and ennoble our minds to better comprehend the human condition.
Bita Prize for Persian Arts
The Bita Prize for Persian Arts is part of the Bita Daryabari Endowment in Persian Letters at Stanford University at the Moghadam Program in Iranian Studies. The annual prize is given to an artist of Iranian ancestry whose work has, in the course of a year, singular achievements in both the realm of aesthetics and in the essence of defending the right of artists to create, free from any fetters. The recipient is then invited to Stanford University to give a public lecture and receive the prize.
iranian-studies.stanford.edu
THE BITA PRIZE FOR PERSIAN ARTS Cemex Auditorium Stanford University Thursday, November 29, 2012 7:00 PM
In recognition of
houshang
seyhoun
for a life dedicated to ART, ARCHITECTURE, and EDUCATION
PROGRAM
Thursday, November 29, 2012 CEMEX Auditorium, Knight Management Center
7:00 pm Introduction by Abbas Milani 7:15 pm Speech by Fisher Family Director of the Division of International, Comparative and Area Studies and McDonnell Professor of History Norman Naimark 7:20 pm Speech by Bita Daryabari followed by the presentation of the Bita Prize for Persian Arts to Houshang Seyhoun 7:25 pm Acceptance speech by Houshang Seyhoun 8:00 pm Question & Answer 8:30 pm Reception Please adjourn to Oberndorf Event Center.
Contact: Pasang Sherpa (650) 724-0939 psherpa@stanford.edu
HOUSHANG SEYHOUN is one of Iran’s most innovative and influential artists, architects and educators. He helped shape a new kind of architectural and aesthetic modernity in Iran, one that combines traditional Persian aesthetics with modernist themes and designs. Some of his designs, like the mausoleums for Omar Khayam, Ferdowsi and Avicenna, endure as hallmarks of this new architectural style. His creative use of bricks and stone, concrete and steel, as well as his tasteful combination of geometric designs, give his buildings a unique and much admired quality. For years, Seyhoun was the Dean of the School of Fine Arts and Architecture at Tehran University where he successfully revamped the curriculum and introduced new programs in musicology, urban planning and the dramatic arts. Seyhoun served as the president of the Iranian Architectural Organization as well. During his tenure, he was instrumental in bringing two World Architectural Congresses to Iran, while also being a teacher and mentor to many of modern Iran’s foremost architects and artists. Professor Seyhoun is also an artist of international stature. His work, particularly his new style of abstract drawings with pen and ink, have been exhibited in some of the most important halls around the world. It is in recognition of a life dedicated to art, architecture and education that he is this year’s recipient of the Bita Prize for Persian Arts.